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What was the role of the sun tree or world tree in Baltic cosmology?

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In Baltic cosmology, the sun tree, or world tree, represents a central concept regarding the structure of the universe. It is typically envisioned as an oak, though it is sometimes described as a linden or another type of tree.1

The tree is believed to be situated in the west or in the middle of the world ocean, positioned specifically at the edge of the path traveled by Saule (the Sun). Its primary role in this mythological framework is to serve as a resting place for the sun; as Saule sets, she hangs her belt upon the tree in preparation for her journey through the invisible world of the dead.1

While there is no evidence of epic creation myths in Baltic tradition, the world tree remains a significant, albeit fragmentary, element of their cosmological ideas, linking the daily cycle of the sun to the broader structure of the world.1